Driving in France

ronk · Post by **ronk** » Tue Feb 21, 2017 10:44 pm

Im used to driving in Germany & Netherlands for a few weeks each year but having a extra few days holiday in France this year.
Is there anything I should watch out for ?

Ive got the usual Hi Viz etc and I will probably but a couple of breath test kits.

bmwaddict · Post by **bmwaddict** » Tue Feb 21, 2017 10:51 pm

ronk wrote:Is there anything I should watch out for ?

The French!

Hi vis, full set of replacement bulbs and don't get caught speeding, big fines and they can even take your car off you, plus the cops don't like brits much.

Silverzedtom · Post by **Silverzedtom** » Tue Feb 21, 2017 11:02 pm

I don't think there are many differences. I am pretty sure the breath test kits are a must so I'd definatly take those. I also put a generic set of bulbs in just in case an anti English policeman starts looking for things.

The speed cameras on the motorways are Gatso style, and they have a radar symbol about 800m before usually. I've set them off a couple of times whilst getting carried away but nothing has ever come through, I think they were looking to introduce it to over seas speeders though so maybe worth a look.

A telepeage is useful for the tolls, debiting the amount to your card. They're pretty handy as you can fly straight through the fast lanes on the left.
You're not going skiing are you? I'd love to know how a Zed would get on in the snowy mountains

Have a good drive!

Silverzedtom · Post by **Silverzedtom** » Tue Feb 21, 2017 11:04 pm

If you haven't got one the telepeage is from sanef tolling. It's a £20 deposit and well worth getting in my opinion.

Chris_D · Post by **Chris_D** » Tue Feb 21, 2017 11:17 pm

Hi viz jacket in back window.
Stick to speed limit or lower.
Brit reg's are like red rag to a bull. Over 10km/h and ur in trouble.

Paulwirral · Post by **Paulwirral** » Tue Feb 21, 2017 11:36 pm

Don't worry to much about fixed cameras , it's the unmarked car at the side of the road that's your main concern if your speeding , not just on the auto routes but back and town roads , usually a small hatchback . Pass at speed and you'll be pulled up by motorbikes and your license confiscated if you can't pay the fine , and your not allowed to drive without your license on you . They will however escort you to a cash machine .
Take all your paperwork including log book , and keep it in the car whenever you use it .
My French neighbours in the Dordogne call speeding fines " extra tax "

Careful driving into villages , drop to 50 kmh and stick to it until you see a sign with a line through it .
Basically , don't drive like a dick and you'll be fine , the days of racing through France are long gone , although the quieter roads are ok as long as your on the ball .
You may get stopped at the toll booths by customs , nothing to worry about .
Not everyone who looks at your car in the services is admiring it , I've been broken into in the past , English cars are easy pickings usually .

ronk · Post by **ronk** » Wed Feb 22, 2017 12:03 am

Im starting to worry now

Pastry · Post by **Pastry** » Wed Feb 22, 2017 12:06 am

ronk wrote: Is there anything I should watch out for ?

Yes, if you're going at the beginning of May....:me, Stupot67 and Smartbear trailing behind us

Smartbear · Post by **Smartbear** » Wed Feb 22, 2017 12:08 am

Pastry wrote:
ronk wrote: Is there anything I should watch out for ?
Yes, if you're going at the beginning of May....:me, Stupot67 and Smartbear trailing behind us

Watching Pastry & Stupot67 getting escorted to the cash machines

Rob

ronk · Post by **ronk** » Wed Feb 22, 2017 12:14 am

Last week in March for me!

enzed4 · Post by **enzed4** » Wed Feb 22, 2017 12:22 am

Envy you having all of Europe at your back door to explore (though it must feel half of Europe are knocking on it trying to get in...).
Why do you need a hi-viz in the back window, or breath test kit?

Pastry · Post by **Pastry** » Wed Feb 22, 2017 12:23 am

ronk wrote:Last week in March for me!

Maybe you could take Smartbear with you Ron, his 4 pot could do with a head start

Don't worry about driving over there at all. I've done it many times, even had and accident which resulted in getting chased by the police

it's a piece of cake

Pastry · Post by **Pastry** » Wed Feb 22, 2017 12:26 am

enzed4 wrote:Envy you having all of Europe at your back door to explore (though it must feel half of Europe are knocking on it trying to get in...).
Why do you need a hi-viz in the back window, or breath test kit?

They don't enforse the breath test kit anymore but you have to carry a high vis waistcoat for every person in the car and it has to be in the cabin, not the boot.

enzed4 · Post by **enzed4** » Wed Feb 22, 2017 1:27 am

Pastry wrote:
enzed4 wrote:Envy you having all of Europe at your back door to explore (though it must feel half of Europe are knocking on it trying to get in...).
Why do you need a hi-viz in the back window, or breath test kit?
They don't enforse the breath test kit anymore but you have to carry a high vis waistcoat for every person in the car and it has to be in the cabin, not the boot.

Ok, but still, why?
Do you have to do your own breath test? How could that even be legal?
And is the high viz because they think all foreigners are going to be involved in an accident and will be wandering over the road afterwards?
Any other Euro countries have regulations like this?
Cheers.

Mr Tidy · Post by **Mr Tidy** » Wed Feb 22, 2017 1:39 am

Still amazes me that France is permitted to require you to carry a device that can get you nicked - surely it ought to be up to them to provide the equipment FFS!

How do they manage that sort of nonsense when laws are supposed to be consistent throughout the EU?

Still, we've decided we've had enough of that nonsense (so will doubtless become more of a target now)!

Don't forget headlight beam deflectors and a GB (and proud of it) sticker somewhere VERY prominent!

Nearly forgot, have a good trip!

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